Artwork Information

Thomson Wilson Leys was born in Nottinghamshire, England and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1863, aboard the Tyburnia. A journalist, editor, newspaper proprietor and philanthropist he established the Leys Institute in Ponsonby, which provided a free library, children’s library, hall and recreation room which was officially opened in 1905. A generous donor and visionary, he donated paintings to the Auckland Art Gallery and was a member of the Mackelvie Trust. Leys was respected for his integrity and organisational abilities. (Chic Colonials: Ataahua, 2003)